Administration


Welcome to Indian Hills Middle School!

At Indian Hills Middle School, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative community that engages, empowers, and inspires our learners to reach their highest potential. We focus not only on academic achievement but also on the personal growth of our students throughout their journey.


Dr. Kelley Capper
Principal
kelleycapper@smsd.org


Before joining Indian Hills, I served as a High School Assistant Principal, instructional coach, and teacher at both the middle and high school levels in Kansas and Minnesota. I hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from UMKC, as well as a doctorate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

 

I am truly honored to serve as the principal of Indian Hills Middle School. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community and for entrusting us with your children’s education.

 


Toby Ruder
Associate Principal - 7th Grade
Athletic Director
tobyruder@smsd.org

I am honored to serve the Indian Hills Middle School community. I have been a social studies teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal throughout my career that began in January 2013. Prior to my current role at Indian Hills, I was most recently a middle school principal in the Wichita area. I am passionate about middle school education because it is such a pivotal time in the development of our students.

I am thrilled to now call the Kansas City area home with my soon-to-be wife, Molly, who was born and raised in Lenexa. I was born and raised in Plainville, Kansas before attending Kansas State University.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Indian Hills community.

 

Jennifer Gorniak
Associate Principal - 8th Grade
jennifergorniak@smsd.org


Jennifer Gorniak currently serves as the 8th grade Associate Principal. This is her second year at Indian Hills, and seventh year in education. Prior to becoming and associate principal, Mrs. Gorniak taught middle school and high school social studies at Westridge Middle School in SMSD, a middle school in Illinois, and a high school in Indiana. Mrs. Gorniak began her career in education due to her love for history and dedication to helping students at the secondary level find their passions and future careers. Mrs. Gorniak is committed to helping students through the elementary to middle and middle to high school transition and on to their future careers.